It's Aspen Viewing Time!

The leaves have started changing in the high country; in fact, some of the trees are turning here in Colorado Springs. 

It's very hard to predict "peak" leaf viewing time much in advance, as leaf changing is very sensitive to summer and fall conditions, and sudden cold and wind snaps can hurry up the turning. Peak  times tend to be short, and vary by area, latitude and elevations.  Even on the same hill, you may see dark green, light green, and gold leaves, which provide a nice contrast.   The end of September is usually a good time to take in some spectacular fall color near Colorado Springs.   

For a wonderful Pikes Peak area leaf peeping drive, try taking a spin to Cripple Creek.  Take Highway 24 from downtown Colorado Springs, through Cascade and Woodland Park.  When you get to Divide, go south on Highway 67.  There are several places to pull off and snap photos.  (If you don't have time for the full trip, you'll get to see some beautiful groves of Aspens between Woodland Park and Divide).  

If you go to Cripple Creek the weekends of September 20th and 21st or 27th and 28th, you may want to take the Aspen Tours sponsored by the 2 Mile High Club.  The excursions are free, but donations are encouraged to provide food for the donkeys the club cares for.  Tours leave from the Cripple Creek Heritage Center (right on Highway 67) and start at 9 am, with the last tour leaving at 4 pm.  Tours are given on a first come, first serve basis. 

For other scenic routes around the state, check out the Fall Foliage Guide from Colorado.com. 

To give you an idea of how the leaves turned last year: these pictures were taken on September 24th, on the road between Divide to Cripple Creek. 

Ken and Sandy Wickham are long-time Realtors in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO.  To contact them, call 719-534-7919 or 800-599-8500 ext. 1120. 

www.wickhome.com